If you received an OWI in Wisconsin, you may be eligible to apply for an occupational license. An occupation license allows you to drive to and from work and for other specified purposes. However, strict requirements apply—including the requirement to obtain an SR-22 certificate from your insurance company.
When you get arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin, one of the consequences you can face is losing your driver’s license. Not only can this be aggravating; but, if you normally drive yourself to work and use your vehicle for other tasks, it can also have major impacts on your daily life.
This makes it important to apply for an occupational license if you are eligible to do so.
Despite its name, obtaining an occupational license allows you to do much more than just drive to and from work. While there are limits (and costs) involved, obtaining an occupational license can allow you to restore much of your normal routine after an OWI arrest. Learn more about Wisconsin’s occupational license laws in 2026 from the experienced Madison OWI lawyers at Mays Law Office:
When Are You Eligible for an Occupational License After an OWI Arrest?
In Wisconsin, the general rule is that drivers are eligible to apply for an occupational license after an OWI arrest, provided that they meet the requirements for applying (i.e., obtaining an SR-22 certificate and complying with the applicable waiting period, if any). However, there are several exceptions. For example, as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) explains, you generally are not eligible for an occupational license after an OWI arrest if:
- You have never held a driver’s license;
- Your license was canceled or permanently revoked; or,
- You have two or more revocations or suspensions from separate incidents over the past 12 months.
This list is not exclusive, but these are the exceptions that are most likely to apply in the case of an OWI. You can use the Wisconsin DOT’s online tool to find out if you are eligible to apply for an occupational license; although, if the online tool says you are not eligible, you may still want to discuss your options with your OWI lawyer.
Do You Need an SR-22 Insurance Certificate to Obtain an Occupational License?
Yes, in order to obtain an occupational license after an OWI arrest in Wisconsin, you must first obtain an SR-22 certificate from your insurance company. The Wisconsin DOT makes this clear, stating:
“You must have a SR-22 Certificate (proof of insurance) on file with the DMV to qualify for an occupational license.”
It is important to understand that obtaining an SR-22 certificate is not simply a matter of contacting your insurance company. While this is the first step, there are a few additional facts you need to know:
- Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage, so there is a chance that you might need to switch insurance companies.
- SR-22 coverage is classified as “high-risk” coverage, which means that your premiums will increase significantly.
- Even if you decide not to apply for an occupational license, you will still generally need to obtain SR-22 coverage when your driving privileges are restored after your OWI.
While the cost of obtaining SR-22 coverage can be significant, it is still the best (or only) option for many individuals. Ultimately, you will need to make an informed decision based on what you can afford, how much you need to drive, and your other personal circumstances.
Is There a Waiting Period for Obtaining an Occupational License After an OWI Arrest?
Whether you need to wait to apply for an occupational license in Wisconsin depends on the circumstances of your case. If this is your first OWI and you are not being accused of causing an accident, you may be eligible to apply immediately. However, if you are being charged with an implied consent refusal in addition to being charged with an OWI, you may be subject to a waiting period of 30 days.
Waiting periods apply in other circumstances as well. Here are some examples, as outlined by the Wisconsin DOT:
- Second or subsequent OWI conviction: 45-day waiting period
- OWI with injury: 60-day waiting period
- OWI with great bodily harm or negligent homicide: 120-day waiting period
- Second implied consent refusal: 90-day waiting period
- Third or subsequent implied consent refusal: 120-day waiting period
However, if you have two or more implied consent refusals or OWIs involving great bodily harm or negligent homicide within a five-year period, a one-year waiting period applies instead. If you are unsure how long you need to wait to apply for an occupational license (if at all), your OWI lawyer will be able to help.
Where Can You Drive with an Occupational License in Wisconsin?
Let’s say you are eligible to apply for an occupational license. If you take the necessary steps to apply, where will you be able to drive?
The good news is that obtaining an occupational license allows you to drive more places than most people think. With an occupational license, you will be allowed to drive to and from:
- Work
- School
- Grocery stores
- Pharmacies
- Banks
- Laundromats
- Gas stations
- Your child’s school or daycare
- Medical appointments
- Your place of worship
Obtaining an occupational license does not allow you to drive for “recreational purposes,” including visiting family and friends, and an occupational license is not a substitute for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Additionally, even if you are only driving for authorized purposes, you are not allowed to drive more than 12 hours in a single day or more than 60 hours in a week.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Madison OWI Lawyer
Were you arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin? If so, our lawyers can help you understand your options regarding obtaining an occupational license, and we can help you fight your OWI charge by all means available. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Madison OWI lawyer, call 608-305-4518 or contact us online today.